Bury-born director Danny Boyle has been announced as patron of HOME, Manchester's new £25m cultural hub and social space, opening next year.

Boyle, who directed the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, and is also known for his work on films including Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting, commented 'To have this wonderful expansion of arts facilities outside London, especially at a time of sustained pressure on arts funding, is such a shock. But it's what you would expect from a visionary city. HOME ensures that the next generation has a facility in which they can express themselves'. The development will include two theatres, a large gallery, five cinemas, production and broadcast facilities and social eating and drinking space.